Places to Visit in Kanyakumari: The Southernmost Point in India

June 21, 2019

by Shruti Prasad

The southernmost tip of the India subcontinent is a picturesque land where tourists flock to experience wonderment. Located at the confluence of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, Kanyakumari is a land of beautiful sunset and sunrise; Hindu temples of spiritual and historical importance and delectable coastal food. Dotted with holy shrines, this city is an important pilgrimage destination in India. If you are planning to take a trip to this mystical land, this article is all that you need to know about the most sort after things to do in Kanyakumari.

1. Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue is a mammoth 133 feet tall stone sculpture of the accomplished Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Thiruvalluvar authored the fabled work in the world of literature, Tirukkural, the classic Tamil text. Standing tall amidst the mighty sea, the view of this statue is quite spectacular. There is a small temple adjacent to this statue adding up to the beauty of this iconic spot. One can find tourists at this quaint little temple, meditating and soaking up in the quiescence of this place.

How to reach: There are many ferries that operate regularly from the seashore to the Thiruvalluvar Statue. In the case of turbulent weather, the ferries stop its operation for safety reasons.
Timing: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person for a ferry ride

2. Vivekanand Rock Memorial

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

The world is no closed ears when it comes to Swami Vivekanand, the spiritual leader and pioneer of Yoga and Vedanta. This prodigious monument was built in honour of the great Hindu monk who is said to have attained enlightenment here after meditating for two days. Located offshore, 500 m east of Kanyakumari, this stupendous monument is believed to be sacred in more ways than one. Hindu deity Devi Kumari blessed this rock while performing austerity, thus making it sanctified.

How to reach: Ferry services are available from Kanyakumari to reach Vivekanand Rock Memorial.
Timing: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, all days.
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person for a ferry ride

3. Gandhi Mandapam

Gandhi Mandapam

As the name suggests, Gandhi Mandapam was built to immortalize Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is this place where his sacred ashes were kept before it was immersed in the water. What is interesting about the architecture of this monument is the fact that the sun rays on every 2nd October, his birth anniversary, falls exactly on the same place where his ashes were kept. Gandhi Mandapam happens to be the most visited place in Kanyakumari because of its historical significance.

How to reach: Gandhi Mandapam is located at a distance of 1.3 km from the Kanyakumari Railway Station and is easily accessible by taxis and local auto rickshaws.
Timing: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee

4. Kanyakumari Temple

Kanyakumari Temple

Also known as the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, this holy shrine is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths of Hindu goddess Kanya Kumari. Being a 3000 years old structure, this temple has stood the test of time. Facing the Vivekanand Rock Memorial, this beautifully carved temple is one of the extensively visited spots by the Hindu devotees.

How to reach: One can take an auto rickshaw or taxi to the temple. There are also city buses that one can take to reach there.
Timing: Morning-4:30 am to 12:30 pm | Evening-4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee

5. Kanyakumari Beach

Kanyakumari Beach

A vacation on the coast never ends without visiting the beach. Kanyakumari Beach is an idyllic spot to sit and relax after a busy day touring the city of Kanyakumari. Every beach promises a great sunrise and sunset. This beach also talks the same but with an additional view of the picturesque lighthouse and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. The silhouette of these structures against the setting sun adds on to the beauty of the stunning landscape. You will find yourself glued to this mesmerising view until you have seen the last speck of the disappearing sun.
How to reach: Local conveyance
Timing: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee

The 5 best hotels in Kanyakumari

1. Hotel Temple Citi

Located at the centre of Kanyakumari, Hotel Temple Citi is an ideal place to stay. With basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24 hours room service, complimentary breakfast, daily housekeeping and readily available taxi service, this hotel is a convenient option at a great price.

Price per night: Rs. 1,141

2. Sparsa Resort

If you wish to witness the sunrise, the first thing you wake up in the morning, Sparsa Resort is the place for you. Facing the Indian Ocean, this luxury resort offers a great view of the massive sea. This eco-sensitive resort offers everything starting from the delectable food options from its multi-cuisine restaurant, a well-stocked bar, a well-maintained swimming pool and a tennis court to name a few. Sparsa resort is bound to give you an invigorating experience.

Price per night: Rs. 3,056

3. Hotel The Gopinivas Grand

One of the leading hotels in Kanyakumari, Gopinivas Grand is situated bang on the seashore, close to nearly all tourist attractions. Rated as one of the best hotels by the travellers, this hotel promises to offer great hospitality with impeccable service. They offer all basic amenities such as free internet, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, free parking and room service at an affordable cost.

Price per night: Rs. 2,081

4. The Seashore Hotel

One of the luxury hotels of Kanyakumari, The Seashore Hotel offers the best view of the sea. All rooms are equipped with modern furniture, giving it a truly elegant and classy look. You can enjoy an exclusive view of the sunrise and sunsets from the vast terrace area accessible only to the customers. The search for a great hotel usually ends with a great in-house restaurant which this hotel proudly boasts about.

Price per night: Rs. 3,200

5. Anantya Resorts

There are travellers who prefer to stay in quaint resorts away from the hustle bustle of the main city. Anantya Resort is one such property situated on the beautiful Chittar Lake. Perched amidst lush green rubber plantation, this resort is a perfect choice for nature lovers. The rooms and private villas apart from providing the basic amenities offer a swim-up bar and spa services.

By Shruti Prasad

With a keenness to see the world and my love for writing, I started with my travel blog. There I share my personal travel stories and recommendations based on my travel experience.
I love to travel to places and soak up in its beauty and uniqueness. Great food, local people and their rich culture & traditions are what lures me to a place. I have a soft corner for mountains. Visiting a new place always adds something unique to my persona. Travelling rejuvenates me. I am on a lookout to chasing happiness and phasing out the negativity through travelling.